Town of Hempstead Honors Intel Semifinalists

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Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray recognized the accomplishments of 9 students from the town at the February 5th board meeting. The students are semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search.

“We have such an extraordinary amount of talent in the Town of Hempstead and these students exemplify the best and brightest,” said Murray. “The high level of research they did is extraordinary.”

The Intel Science Talent Search (STS) is often considered the “Junior Nobel Prize” and is America’s oldest (since 1942) and most prestigious pre-college science competition. The Intel competitors are considered the next generation of scientists and engineers. Intel STS finalists were selected based on their research ability, scientific originality, creative thinking and ability to apply science to the world around them. New York had more semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search than any other state, 104 among 300 young people from across the United States. Long Island captured 53 semifinalist slots and 9 of those students are from the Town of Hempstead.

“It is especially rewarding since several of the students had to contend with the effects of Superstorm Sandy,” added Murray. “Nevertheless, school closures, flooding and power outages didn’t impede these students, but only made them work harder to overcome their obstacles.”

In addition to honoring the students themselves, Murray recognized the 7 schools from which the champions hail. Lawrence High School in Cedarhurst had three finalists; John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, East Meadow High School, George W. Hewlett High School in Hewlett and Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls in Hewlett each had one semifinalist.

The semifinalists individually received $1,000 in recognition of their scientific achievements. The schools where the semifinalists attend will also receive $1,000 per semifinalist. The Supervisor also commended the teachers and parents of the students for their contributions to the success of all 9 students.

“The Town of Hempstead is very proud of these elite students,” said

Murray. “I would like to congratulate the students, their families and schools for this outstanding achievement. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”